greenxj21

Ok so the other day I was driving and hit a small bump. I heard a weird noise and something was not right so I pulled over. I looked at everything but couldn't find anything wrong. So then I put it in reverse and try to back up. I let of the gas and nothing. I go up to 2200 rpm before it backs up (I am on level ground( and it skips on the tires. So I called AAA and had them tow it. I thought it was the right rear brake. So they look at it and can't find anything wrong with the brake but say there may be something wrong with the trans. Now someone brought it home for me and told me that they heard a weird noise in 1st. So I take it out and in first gear I hear a "woooooosh" noise for the whole time that its in first. It will do this upon speeding up, maintaining speed, and slowing down, but only in first. What the hell could that be? I checked fluid a few months ago and it was over the full line but that was while it was hot. Could my tranny be toast? If worst comes to worst I have a spare aw4 in the garage. Also, this is on a 4.5" lift with no sye or drop. It is 2wd but my other Aw4 has a np231. If this tranny is bad it would finally give me am excuse to do my 4x4 swap

greenxj21

Anyone?

BimmerJeeper

Did you check the fluid NOW ???
That is the first thing I'd do !

greenxj21

Ok ill check that before work tomorrow. Would being too low on that cause a noise only in 1st though?

F1Addict

I wonder if your reverse clutch detonated and the bits are interfering with other tranny functions? Does reverse still require lots of revs to move? I'd pull the trans pan and see what kinds of fun stuff you find in there.

tjwalker

Basics first always.

1. Fluid must be at correct level on dipstick with a hot, fully exercised transmission.

2. Fluid must be RED in color

3. Fluid should not smell BURNT.

Start there.

greenxj21

It backs fine just makes that noise. Pulling pan this weekend if there is shreds of metal then I am swapping the tranny no question. If the fluid is black I will maybe change it then run it. If no better than tranny swap. Then for the hell of it I could take apart my current one. Probably pretty neat looking in there.

greenxj21

Extra question: if I swap my 2wd Aw4 for the 4wd one with the tcase, can I run without a front driveshaft for a while (probably a few months to a year).

sgt.arafak

I believe you can run without a front driveshaft for quite a while but I'd need to be confirmed on that.

Radi

As long as it's in 2WD there won't be a problem.

Gorillaxj

agreed, if its low top it off, if its high drain some. an under filled trans and an over filled trans can get air in the fluid causing lots of problems/symptoms. First step is proper level hot.

If the noise is still there then its most likely a worn 1st gear clutch/band/stator(been a while since I have looked at a AW4 trans shift/flow chart. Either way its an internal problem and I would swap tranys. but worth having a shop look at it to be sure before spending the time/money unless you want to do the 4x4 swap anyway.

Its perfectly fine. will operate the same as it does now in 2wd.

greenxj21

Checked fluid after long drive and while running. The color was red and it was above the max line. I'll probably just replace the trans this holiday.

greenxj21

Anyone have any clue how long it would take to swap an Aw4 tranny? 2 people with jacks and air tools. My advantage is that the guy helping me has swapped 3 trannys from xjs before but they were ax15s

Gorillaxj

I would guess about 2 hours if your working... 2 buddies doing it as a fun project? maybe 3-4hrs depending on motivation and drinking style

you will need a 4x4 drive line as well! (I am sure you know that, just saying )